Food Wars, My Dishes Don't Just Shine

This is probably what they call love.

"Are you sure you don't need me to take you to the restaurant?"

Looking at Tadokoro Megumi, whose steps were trembling and who was walking unsteadily, Shiroyuki's face was full of worry.

"You shouldn't go. You made things difficult for everyone yesterday. If you go, everyone will hate you, and I probably won't have a good time in the kitchen either."

With her hand lightly resting on the wall, Tadokoro Megumi's face carried a faint bitterness.

She was too hasty and underestimated Bai Yuan's fighting power.

Even though the other person was incredibly gentle, her legs trembled when she got out of bed.

Fortunately, Bai Yuan still retained some rationality. When he saw her brows furrow slightly, her eyes glistening with tears, and her thin lips slightly bitten, he decisively stopped.

That girl is a complete idiot; she won't even say anything when she's feeling unwell.

To be honest, the other person wanted him to have some fun, which is why they didn't say anything like "stop" or "don't want to do it anymore," which would have been a real idiot and a fool.

Doesn't he know that her happiness is the root of his joy?

He wanted to criticize Tadokoro Megumi about this issue, but looking at her appearance, Bai Yuan held back and ultimately said nothing.

He secretly vowed to be more careful in the future.

"If that's what you're worried about, then there's absolutely no need to worry."

Because apart from Hanasaki Chiyuki, no one else knows who I am.

"Besides, I don't feel comfortable letting you go like this. It would be terrible if something happened on the way. Come on, I'll take you there on my bicycle."

Yesterday, unable to find suitable transportation, Bai Yuan randomly picked a shop on the street and bought a bicycle with a back seat, which was perfectly fine for carrying a person.

"Wouldn't that be too much trouble..."

"Don't say things like 'it's too much trouble.' You're my girlfriend, and you deserve the best."

"Just tell me what you want. If I don't give it to you, you'll use every trick in the book to be charming and coquettish. I can't stand girls being coquettish, and I'll agree to anything unless it really violates my principles. Anyway, everything is based on my own interests."

Looking at Tadokoro Megumi, who was hesitant but had expectant eyes, Bai Yuan knew exactly what she was thinking: she wanted it but was also a little embarrassed.

Honestly, they're clearly boyfriend and girlfriend, yet they care about so many trivial things. This feeling really annoyed him!

"You must remember that we are boyfriend and girlfriend, and we are equal in every way."

You don't need to grovel because you love me, and you certainly don't need to wrong yourself. There are things I'm willing to do for you, and you shouldn't feel like you're troubling me.

Girls like Megumi Tadokoro are naturally more sensitive than the average person. Changing her is a gradual process, getting her to open up.

"Okay, then I'll have to trouble Teacher Bai Yuan to give me a ride."

I want to ride in your car, I want to be the woman in the back seat of your car!

Upon hearing Bai Yuan's words, Tadokoro Megumi seemed to understand something. Then, without further hesitation, she looked at him and smiled brightly as she spoke.

"Alright, let's get ready to go!"

Seeing this, Bai Yuan smiled and then got on his bicycle.

"Hey..."

After adjusting her position slightly, Tadokoro Megumi sat in the back seat of Shirobuchi.

"Hold on tight, or you'll fall."

He reached out and placed Tadokoro Megumi's hand on his waist, gave her a reminder, and then started pedaling his bicycle, taking her towards the [Hanazaki Koiyuki] Western restaurant.

The journey was bumpy, and Tadokoro Megumi reached out and tightened her grip on Shiro's waist, pressing her face completely against his back to feel his warmth and the gentle breeze.

The girl in the back seat had slightly messy hair. She closed her eyes contentedly in the cool breeze, feeling a sense of happiness and knowing that she hadn't made a mistake in choosing a partner.

Bai Yuan's words had deeply touched her heart, making her feel his burning love and heartfelt respect.

If Bai Yuan just wanted an obedient woman, he wouldn't have needed to say those things to her, because she was already behaving very obediently.

Close your eyes and enjoy the peace of the moment.

Tadokoro Megumi's restless heart suddenly calmed down. Now she wished that the days could pass a little slower so that she could spend more time with Shirobuchi-sensei.

It's a pity, what are you afraid of?

Ten minutes later, the two arrived at their destination.

"We've arrived. Be careful on the road."

Seeing the distinctive building in front of him, Bai Yuan braked in time.

Tadokoro Megumi stumbled and bumped into him, her softest part of her body pressing against his hard back, which stirred the boy's heart.

Although he had experienced many things firsthand, this sudden surprise was a great satisfaction for him, making him want to hum softly.

"Okay, you can go back now. Leave the rest to me!"

Hearing Bai Yuan's words, Tadokoro Megumi reluctantly got off her bicycle and waved goodbye to him from the doorway.

"Bye-Bye."

Bai Yuan waved back, standing still and waiting for Tadokoro Megumi to go inside.

However, the other party remained silent for a long time, only looking at him with a smile.

Clearly, the other party was also waiting for him to leave.

Although their circumstances differed, their thoughts coincided.

They stood there blankly for about twenty or thirty seconds, staring at each other without either of them wanting to look away first. Then, at the same time, they smiled at each other and turned to leave.

Coincidentally, their ideas overlapped again this time.

But none of them knew.

"Next stop... whose place should I go to..."

As he hopped on his bicycle, the thought crossed Bai Yuan's mind; it seemed he had already explored the entire surrounding area.

"Oh right, how could I forget about her!"

A well-behaved figure appeared in his mind, and Bai Yuan slapped his head as if he suddenly realized something. Then he turned the bicycle around and rode it into a small alley.

If his memory serves him right, this is the shop where Hisako Shinoto received her on-site training.

At first it was extremely narrow, barely wide enough for one person to pass through. After riding several dozen steps, it suddenly opened up into a bright and spacious area.

What appeared before them was a very old shop, its exterior dilapidated and seemingly without many customers.

"Is this the restaurant where Hisako works?"

Looking at the small shop in front of him, Bai Yuan stepped on the brakes and stood still for a brief moment.

Although it was anticipated that some shops might have rather difficult conditions.

But in his imagination, even the most dilapidated restaurant would be on par with Yukihira's restaurant. What was the situation with this run-down little shack in front of him...?

Wilderness survival?

With this in mind, Bai Yuan arrived in front of the shop, raised his hand and flicked his fingers to knock, but before he could knock, the door was opened first.

"Teacher Bai Yuan?"

The person who opened the door was Hisako Shinto, who looked surprised to see the person appear outside the restaurant.

The girl was holding a basin of water, and it looked like she was about to splash it out. Luckily, she noticed Bai Yuan in time, otherwise she would have soaked him to the bone.

"What are you..."

Seeing Hisako Shinto's actions and expressions, Shirayuki didn't know what to say for a moment, and could only awkwardly scratch his face, his eyes full of curiosity.

"Isn't it obvious? The kitchen drain was a bit clogged, so we poured the water outside, otherwise it would have flooded the whole place."

"But what brings Teacher Bai Yuan here all of a sudden? Is he here for an inspection?"

As she spoke, Hisako Shinto raised her hand and splashed water into the corner of the doorway, while blinking at Shirayuki, her eyes flashing with a strange and slightly mischievous light.

Back in Fujian, the two confessed their feelings for each other at the urging of Erina Nakiri.

Although no physical relationship has taken place, their hearts are already intertwined.

Meeting him alone at this moment, a strange feeling arose in Hisako Shinomiya's heart, but she maintained her composure on her face and even joked with him.

"I missed you, so I came to visit."

Although the shop is quite run-down, you seem to be in good spirits, which puts my mind at ease.

Faced with Hisako Shinto's teasing, Shiroyuki smiled and said, "I missed you so I came to see you," which immediately made the girl freeze.

She had considered all sorts of answers from Bai Yuan and thought about various ways to reply, but she never expected him to be so direct. Her face immediately turned red.

"Oh dear, Professor Bai Yuan, what are you saying all of a sudden!"

"Don't stand outside, come in and have a seat."

Hisako Shinoto was a worldly person. Although she felt shy and didn't know what to say when she heard Shiro's reply, she quickly recovered and made way for him to enter the shop. She also took a few steps back to make it easier for him to pass through the narrow door.

"excuse me."

Seeing that there weren't many customers in the shop, Bai Yuan wasn't worried about causing trouble for Shinobu Hisako. He shouted loudly into the shop and then went inside, scanning the room with his eyes.

In the eight-tatami mat-sized Japanese-style room, the beechwood pillars are covered with an amber patina that has been worn away over the years.

The wallpaper had frayed edges, but there wasn't a trace of mold. At the base of the wall, covered with yellowed ukiyo-e prints, three porcelain lucky cats from different years were arranged in a staggered manner, their cracked paws spotless.

The low cypress table in the center gleamed with an oily sheen, its four corners wrapped in indigo linen to prevent bumps and knocks, and the dents in its legs still bore the scratches from an earthquake many years ago.

"How many years has this restaurant been around? It's full of historical remnants..."

Looking at the restaurant's ambiance, Bai Yuan sighed from the bottom of his heart.

It's hard to imagine that such a shop could exist in Tokyo, where land is incredibly expensive.

"Welcome! What would you like to order? We don't accept orders by the customer, only by price. And I decide what dishes to serve next."

In the open kitchen, cast iron hooks hang dried bonito flakes, their color a honey color, while old earthenware jars hold the tangy aroma of pickled plums.

An elderly man in a greyish-white work uniform stood with his back to the guests, his hands, covered in age spots, gripping a yanagi-blade knife. The rhythm of the blade striking the cutting board resembled an unfinished haiku.

What price range are available?

Upon hearing his words, Bai Yuan immediately became interested and asked curiously.